John Kerzman

John O. Kerzman, 43, Bismarck, loving husband, father, and grandfather, died August 20, 2003 in Bismarck. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Joel Samuelson officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery, Minot. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Sunday at Eastgate Funeral Service where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. John was born in Minot on March 21, 1960 to Dennis and LaVonne Anderson Kerzman. He grew up in Minot, Velva and Lakota. He attended high school in Minot and completed his GED. John married Gale Knutson of Velva on May 19, 1978 at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. They made their home in Minot. They celebrated their 25th anniversary this past May. John joined the Army National Guard in December 1978 and attended boot camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged in April 1979 and returned to Minot to his wife and son. John worked various jobs in Minot until 1986 when he attended Meyers School of Broadcasting, Minot, where he earned his broadcasting license. Upon receiving his license, he took a position at the radio station in Wishek. Three months later he was offered a sales representative position at KYYY-FM in Bismarck where he received numerous awards. John worked at KYYY-FM until 1992 when he joined Dialnet Incorporated as sales manager. In 1993 John became sales manager for KQDY-FM, Bismarck. In 1994 he began as sales manager for Davis Designs. He returned to work for KYYY later that year. John became disabled in 1995. After the birth of his grandson, Joshua, in 1997, John cared for him until Josh reached the age of 6. They were constant companions. John enjoyed watching and discussing NASCAR and his favorite drivers. He also did light mechanic work and always made sure that the cars of his family, mother-in-law and his friends were running smoothly. John is survived by his wife, Gale; his son Jason and daughter-in-law Kristie and grandson Josh of Bismarck and his daughters Greta and Kaitlin, both at home. He is also survived by his father Dennis and his companion Dorothy Fawbush of Minot; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald Jackie of Columbus, NE, Thomas Sharon of Glendive, MT, Jerry of Redlands, CA, Bruce of Minot, and Brian of Bismarck; one sister, Diane Degenstein of Minot; his mother-in-law, Greta Knutson; brothers-in-law, Dean Kim Knutson of Mitchell, SD, Ward Donna Knutson of Bismarck, Neal Knutson of Minot; one sister-in-law, Laurie Mike Tanner of Las Vegas, NV; 12 nieces; 6 nephews, 11 great-nieces, 3 great-nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as many friends. John was preceded in death by his son Joshua J., his mother, two nephews, one niece, his father-in-law, Ernie, and his grandparents.

John Kerzman

March 21, 1960 - August 20, 2003